The Globe Inn, Bridgwater

An historic village inn next to the village church in the oldest part of the town. The building is 18th Century, and some original features are visible – ceiling timbers and fireplace in particular. It has not, however, been well looked-after, and other features are not so in keeping – manky carpets throughout, a cheap and nasty pine bar counter and an abundance of anaglypta wall paper detract from the pub’s history and ambiance, and it smelled of floor polish. The small bar at the front is full of battered furniture, while the back bar is shabby and serves mainly as a haunt for those wishing to watch live TV sports. There is a terraced smoking area at the back which leads to a long garden, partly grassed, with plenty of benches and tables. The landlady appeared inert at first, then switched to formidable, before finally becoming friendly. The large German shepherd dog proved friendlier still. No real ale was available – the keg choices were 3 ciders from Thatcher’s, Carling, Cruzcampo, Stella, John Smith’s and Guinness. Various sports trophies hint at a better past, but for now it’s a disappointing shadow of what it could be.